Michael Bernard Pace, Sr. was born on Saturday, January 28, 1961 to Mr. Charles Edward Pace, Sr. and the late Mrs. Juliette Bryant Pace. "Train up a child in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won't depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 was just one of the scriptures that was valued within this family. As a result, Michael spent valuable moments with his paternal and maternal grandparents; Lee and Lillie Mae Pace and Benny and Elizabeth Bryant. All of whom proceeded him in death.
A native of Atlanta, Michael received his education through the Atlanta Public and Fulton County School Systems. Desiring to be a prosperous man, Michael began working at the age of 12 cutting grass at Lincoln Cemetery where his mother was also employed. Michael thrived and successfully continued his career with Service Corporation International (SCI). He pressed forward and obtained his Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and became an over the road driver at Schneider Trucking Company. After several years of service, Michael went back to his first love, True Green, which is a division of the cemetery industry. Recognizing his talents, SCI sought and offered Mike a Superintendent position where he was an accomplishing employee until 2016. Michael was passionate about caring for people and was well known for comforting family members with deceased loved ones at Westview, Crest Lawn, Arlington Memorial Park and Forest Lawn cemeteries in the greater Atlanta area. Michael developed lifelong relationships with employees and co-workers and served as an auspicious mentor always leaving them with encouraging and memorable words.
A believer in God, Mike was reared in Central United Methodist Church serving under Rev. Joseph Lowery. Mike was strong in his faith and believed in the power of prayer. He instilled the importance of a Godly relationship and an active prayer life within his family.
In 1983, Michael married Christie Cooper-Pace and became a devoted father to Nicole and Anthony Cooper. From this marriage two sons were born; Michael and Christopher Pace. On Friday, July 9, 2004, Michael met the love of his life, his soulmate, Kelli Michelle Patrick-Pace. They were married on Saturday, January 28, 2006. This union created the ideal blended family. The last names didn't match, but this family had the heart of it's father and was filled with love, sharing and caring. Michael made certain his family was loved and protected and created an environment that was inclusive and welcoming of them all.
Michael, affectionately known as "Big Mike" and "Big Sexy" was loving, honest, genuine and compassionate. He was dedicated and loyal to his wife, family and friends. The Pace household was welcoming and always filled with love, laughter, delicious food and the presence of God. Mike was happiest when shooting pool, diving, swimming, playing cards, visiting casinos and watching sports--especially the Atlanta Falcons. One of his greatest joys was a competitive game of backgammon with his true love Kelli.
II Corinthians 5:8 "We are confident, I say and willing rather to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Michael will never be far from the hearts of those that loved him best. He leaves to honor his memories, his beloved and dedicated wife; Kelli Michelle Patrick-Pace; sons; Michael Pace Jr., Christopher Pace, Kelvis Z. Patrick, Sr., Keenan Peterson, Sgt. Kasden Peterson and Anthony Cooper, daughter; Nicole Cooper, father; Charles Edward (Virginia) Pace; mother-in-law; Kathy Patrick, sister-in-law; Krishna Lamar, brother-in-law; Katlin Patrick, eight grandchildren; Christopher Pace, Kelvis (KJ) Patrick Jr., Kelvin Patrick, Jakayla Smith, Kelis Patrick, JaShawn Smith, Aamir Smith, and Zacari Smith. Michael created unforgettable relationships with numerous other nieces, nephews, family and friends.
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